The muzzling of federal government scientists, death of evidence, and assault on reason that has been played up in the press and elsewhere has glossed over yet another dimension of closed access to citizens; open, well-informed national science policy advice.

But the government’s budget in 2012, as implemented in Bill C-45, makes significant changes to SR&ED. The bill contains a reduction in the SR&ED tax credit from 20 per cent to 15 per cent of eligible expenses, and eliminates the eligibility of capital expenditures.

Minister of State for Science and Technology Gary Goodyear discusses emerging trends in Canada’s knowledge-based sectors, and what needs to be done to keep pace in an increasingly competitive global economy.